What to wear to a Photoshoot
Did you recently book a photo session with your photographer? You spoke over email or the phone, your vibes match. You’re on the books. You’re crazy excited, but now what?
Here’s what to wear for your photos and a few valuable tips, too.
Since your session is booked, you can now go shopping. Yaaay! No, you don’t need to go online shopping or run to the mall.
You can go shopping in your closet!
Clothing: What to Wear
First things first. Look for comfort in your clothing. No, I’m not talking about the grungy pair of shorts you paint in. I’m talking about clothing you feel comfortable in and want to be photographed in. If you love jeans and band T-shirts, wear them. Are fluffy dresses more your thing? Wear one. Or maybe this is a maternity shoot, and you have a beautiful silky bathrobe that feels luxurious. Wear it.
Do you have a fancy dress that you don’t wear anymore? Or only wore one time, a few years ago? Pull that sucker out of the back of the closet. Maybe it shrank and no longer fits, that’s okay too. Take it with you to your photo session.
Wear your faux fur coat
Perhaps you have a fancy fur coat. But, never have anywhere to wear it? Maybe your mom has a fur coat that you’ve always loved. Ask to borrow it. You might use it; you might not.
If jeans are more your jam, grab a pair that fits. If a pair has cool stitching or pocket details, bring them.
A portrait session is all about YOU. What you love to wear. What you wish you could wear. Your photos should scream YOU and your unique personality. Dress for you. Nobody else.
Now, that being said, you can totally go out and buy something new if you want. But, honestly, use what you have in your closet. Or your friend’s closet.
Props + Accessories
Props and accessories add extra detail to your story. Photos are all about telling a story.
Shoes. Do you love shoes? Take that fancy pair of heels with rhinestones that you only wore for (insert special occasion). Or, your favorite pair of Docs that are almost worn out because you wear them every day. Maybe you hate shoes altogether and prefer to be barefoot. Be sure to tell your photographer you’re anti-shoes. Shoes or no shoes will add personality and interest to your photos.
Hats. Sometimes, a huge hat can make for a silly photo. Remember that sombrero you got in Mexico? A vintage hat from an antique store, you know, the one with netting on it. Do you have Grandpa’s old baseball cap he wore all the time? Take that with you if you want.
Jewelry can add elegance and a little sparkle. A long strand of pearls for a more refined session. Do you have big, bright-colored earrings that you’d love to incorporate? Bring them.
1920s inspired photo session
Vintage style. If you want to give your photo session some old-timey vibes, take a pipe or faux cigarette for fun. Heck, pair it with a vintage-looking bottle too. Don’t forget the suspenders and 1920’s fedora.
Graduation calls for a cap and gown of course. If you have a sash or ribbons, take them to your session. Pair the look with heart shaped sunglasses and a rolled-up diploma.
Gamers have all the cool props. Take a controller, headset, or the whole console. Ha! That would make a fun photo. *Read below: Setting a Scene.
Bring the sword with you
Comic-Con fan? Take your cloak, wired elf ears, and sword to your photo session. If you’re getting photographed by me, you’ll want to bring your whole costume and any other costumes you have! I love playing dress up.
Setting a Scene
Some photographers enjoy setting up an entire scene, indoors or out. This is my favorite thing to do. As a photographer, this sets the scene for your photo session. It can be as simple as a small stool in a flower field or as intricate as a backdrop with a side table, birdcage, and pictures hanging.
Setting a scene
If you’re a gamer, it could be fun to create a faux living room. Think of a bean bag chair, TV screen, game console, bowl of popcorn, and you outside in the woods. Bring the props to help your photographer set a scene for you.
Not every photographer likes to do that type of photography, but it doesn’t hurt to ask yours. Heck, it might spark something new in them.
Bonus Tips
Iron your clothes. Please, please, iron your clothing or steam everything beforehand. Wrinkles are next to impossible to edit out of photos. Hang them on a hanger and the hook inside your car, for safe traveling to your location.
Clean hair. Wash, dry, and style your hair. Bring hairspray. Your photographer should have a can with him/her. But, bring your own just in case. Flyaways are not fun to edit out.
Clean nails. Remove all of your nail polish if it’s chipped. Or, apply a fresh coat in your favorite color. Eyes and hands are what viewers look at in photos, so make sure your hands and nails are clean. Apply some lotion before your session as well. It makes your hands look extra nice.
Bring a friend. If you’re nervous about your upcoming photo session, bring a friend. Sometimes, it helps to bring a hype friend if you’re feeling nervous about getting photos taken. The friend will most likely be put to work by me, so let them know in advance. Ha!
Eat. Make sure you are well-fed before your photoshoot. This might sound silly, but “hanger” is a real thing. Many people want to go out to eat after a photo session, but be sure to eat a little something beforehand. *Especially if you’re doing family photos or a child is getting photographed.
I include more tips to send to my clients after they book me, but these are my 5 top tips.
Take Aways
In the end, just dress comfortably. You want to wear clothing that you feel good in and enjoy wearing. Bring extra outfits and items with you, just in case. Keep the weather in mind. Will it be hot or rainy?
Gather your props and toss them in a bag to take with you.
Bring a smile and just have fun! Your photographer will pose you and guide you on what to do, so don’t worry about that part
.
A portrait photo session is all about you. You’ll have these photos for a lifetime, and it’ll be fun to look back on them. You’ll remember the experience you had. You will laugh, you might cry. But, most of all, you’ll have photos of yourself, to treasure.
Do I sound like the kind of photographer you want to work with? If yes, and you’re in Southern California, let’s create some magic together.
Cheers to being neighbors,
Annette
